Benefits Manager

Overview

Our Benefits Manager plays a crucial role in employee benefits programs and efficient administration of our benefit offerings. With a focus on a multi-state workforce, this role aids in ensuring Fleet Feet continues to offer a rich and competitive benefits plan to support employee well-being and success. This role will build processes and efficiencies to ensure the administration of company benefits is compliant.

The Benefits Manager will be responsible for overseeing and administering all aspects of our employee benefits programs. This includes health insurance, retirement plans, leaves, and other employee perks. The Benefits Manager should have a proven background in benefits administration, excellent communication skills, and a passion for working in a retail environment that is fast paced, while doing the right thing for employees and the business.

This is a hybrid position with expectations of working in the Carrboro, NC Store Support Team office 2-3 days per week.

We believe Running Changes Everything. If you believe that, too, we want to talk. With more than 260 stores and a robust e-commerce site, Fleet Feet is the largest running retailer in the country. Catering to more than runners, we pride ourselves on having an inclusive environment! We believe it's a privilege to serve and remain committed to delivering unmatched service and support when outfitting customers in everything they need to have a successful run, whether that's introducing them to their new favorite running shoes, socks, or gear, or inviting them to our next training program run. We like to keep things high-spirited, fast-paced, and fun. We don't mind wearing more than a few hats and stepping in to help out wherever is needed. We are a group of knowledgeable and hardworking individuals who work, sweat, and live passionately. We run together to solve a problem, reach a goal, get encouraged, and champion our brand every single day. We are in full pursuit to find hardworking people to join us on our quest and bring our core values to life.

Responsibilities

Benefits Administration:

• Manage day-to-day benefits administration for health insurance, dental, vision, retirement plans and other ancillary benefits

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations, being mindful of multi-state compliance

• Leverage third-party vendors to resolve issues and streamline benefits processes

• Lead invoice reconciliation for various carriers and work to maintain accurate billing records

• Track and manage current benefit participants as well as COBRA participants

• Lead annual Open Enrollment communication and process

Customer Focus:

• Respond to employee benefits-related questions and inquiries in a timely and positive way

• Work to maintain and update educational resources for employees (FAQs, Benefits site information, and other documents)

• Balance the needs of the business, compliance with benefits, and employee needs

Communication and Collaboration:

• Partner and collaborate with internal departments (Finance and Payroll) and leverages HR Business Partners by providing information proactively and partnering with them on specific benefit situations

• Effectively communicate and collaborate with direct manager, sharing important information and asking questions when clarity is needed

Compliance:

• Lead and file benefits reporting and auditing including annual reports, various filings and other mandated reporting (OSHA, 5500, ACA, etc.)

• Administer and track Leaves in accordance with the Fleet Feet Handbook, Federal and State laws

• Leverage tools and resources to stay up to date on industry trends and best practices

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Proficiency and experience in Benefits Administration

• Strong planning and time management skills

• Clear, accurate and timely communication to get buy-in from stakeholders

• Awareness of Federal and State regulations

• Curious by nature, always seeking to understand more and doing investigative work

• Willingness to dive in and get to the bottom of things

• Knowledge of and experience with HR systems (HRIS & Benefit systems).

• Detail-oriented, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

Experience:

• 5+ years of Benefit Administration, preferably in a start-up or retail setting

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel 5-10% to designated locations as assigned by direct manager

Perks:

• High energy and fun atmosphere

• Training and advancement opportunities within the Fleet Feet brand

• Robust benefits package (medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, Employee Assistance Program, and more)

• 401(k) Retirement Plan for all part and full-time employees (Age 21+) with 4% employer matching and immediate vesting (company-owned stores)

• Community involvement and community service activities

• Training Program and Product Discounts

• Passionate team members

• Check out our Fleet Feet Benefits Summary for full-time employees averaging 30+ hours/week at company-owned stores

We are an equal opportunity employer and believe having diverse teams in which everyone brings their whole self to Fleet Feet is key to our success. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. That is why we value diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices, our culture, and our engagement with the community. Learn more about our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.

Additional Requirements: Position requires occasional moving around with light (1-10lbs.) carrying, lifting, pushing or pulling. The position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access files, office equipment, etc. The position is mostly sedentary and requires the employee to have close visual acuity to perform job requirements. The position requires frequent communication with team members and repetitive motion with the hands, wrists and/or fingers while constantly utilizing a computer. This position is located within an office environment and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Fleet Feet utilizes E-Verify in all corporate and company-operated stores as part of the hiring process.